Best Dry Cleaner (2012)

The super-friendly woman behind the counter at Regency Cleaners is named Jenny Kang. As customers can attest, she is a hugger. She and her husband, Kris, bought the place in 2008. A year later, the shop was destroyed by an arson fire but, after reopening in 2010, it has established itself as a go-to spot for affordable, high-quality dry cleaning. (The shop also handles alterations and repairs.) Kris Kang claims to have a secret formula for getting out stains. The clientele trusts him with family heirlooms such as old, yellowed wedding dresses; he is especially proud of his work on a 170-year-old silk dress. 1411 Echo Park Ave., Echo Park. (213) 482-9986.